After taking part in last year’s Miss Escalon competition, second runner-up Daisy Pantoja said she gained new confidence. And that, in turn, has prompted her to seek an additional title.

The recent graduate of Escalon High School will be heading to Santa Cruz July 10 through 15 to participate in the Miss California Pageant, being staged at the Santa Cruz Convention Center.

“I have to memorize a two-minute speech, will be organizing two speeches, we have a talent portion, I will be dancing and I also do cheer,” she explained of the pageant. “Also there will be ‘fish bowl questions’ – those are the scary ones.”

The famous ‘fish bowl’ questions are those drawn at random for contestants, who must provide their answer on the spot. Pantoja has some experience with that, however, as that is a feature of the Miss Escalon pageant as well.

But this is at a much larger level and she is looking forward to the opportunity to embrace the experience and make new friends as she enjoys the pageant and all that goes along with it.

Primary sponsor for her to compete is the local Snap Fitness Escalon.

“She’s been a member here and the family, too, and as Snap Fitness, we want to invest in the future of Escalon,” said owner Peter Krumeich. “The youth of Escalon are our future. Daisy is very motivated … not every kid is doing this.”

The 18-year-old also has a couple other pageants in mind, including one in Sacramento in August and a San Joaquin County event next January.

The daughter of Jesus and Maria Pantoja, she will be attending Modesto Junior College and plans to pursue a career in the nutrition field.

“She’s proactive, I think it’s exciting,” Krumeich said of supporting the teen. “I hope she does well.”

Also lending sponsorship support are Vineyard Pharmacy, EscalonFit and the Pantoja family.